South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
Women in Central Equatoria state are demanding the government at all levels to intervene in the skyrocketing prices of commodities in the country.
Veronica Juan, the speaker for the Central Equatoria Women Union said the economic hardship is affecting the most vulnerable groups, and calls for quick intervention from the government.
“As we speak the economic situation is deteriorating, if the exchange rate against the dollar in the parallel market, prices of various items also increase, we are calling upon our government to help in such situation,” Juan said.
“We need to be moving slowly, the drum of water which previously cost 1500 SSP is now 3000 SSP, we urge the city council to return the price of water per drum to 1500 so it becomes affordable for many people.”
Basilica Poni, the secretary for Central Equatoria state women union said the government should ensure prices are reduced to accommodate the vulnerable groups.
“As women, we are asking our leaders to address the challenges facing women particularly widows, we want widows to be supported, we want prices to be kept stable and reduce,” Poni said.
Josephine Nadia, the deputy speaker for central Equatoria state women union said people are not really celebrating the Easter due to economic hardships, adding that many women cannot table meal for their children.
“We are seeing government providing food but it is not reaching many people, it is still in the hands of business people, we need the involvement of cooperatives in food distribution at more affordable prices,” Nadia said.
“We are not okay, people are suffering, we are now in sorrow instead of celebration, we call upon our government to look into the suffering of women and children, the high prices in the market is killing people in silent manner,” she said.
